Bayon
Bayon Temple, a 12th-century marvel in Angkor Thom, captivates with its hundreds of giant, serene smiling faces carved into stone towers.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See monkeys and fewer crowds
Bayon
Best Time
See monkeys and fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Bayon Temple, a 12th-century marvel in Angkor Thom, captivates with its hundreds of giant, serene smiling faces carved into stone towers.
"Mysterious, majestic, and unforgettable – Bayon's smiling faces are hauntingly beautiful."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing on uneven surfaces. Prioritize comfort!
💧 Stay Hydrated
The Cambodian heat is intense. Carry plenty of water to avoid dehydration during your exploration.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Smiling Faces
Towers
Hundreds of serene, giant stone faces gaze out from every angle, creating a truly mesmerizing and mysterious atmosphere.

Intricate Bas-Reliefs
Walls
Detailed carvings depict ancient Khmer life, mythology, and epic battles, offering a glimpse into a lost civilization.

The Labyrinthine Upper Terrace
Upper levels
A maze of walkways and chambers adorned with statues, offering spectacular views and a sense of discovery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Mystery of the Smiling Faces
Comfort is Key for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing on uneven surfaces. Prioritize comfort!
💧 Stay Hydrated
The Cambodian heat is intense. Carry plenty of water to avoid dehydration during your exploration.
📸 Capture the Faces
Bring your camera! The smiling faces are incredibly photogenic from every angle.
🐒 Morning Monkey Sightings
Visit in the morning for a chance to see playful monkeys around the ruins.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing on uneven surfaces. Prioritize comfort!
💧 Stay Hydrated
The Cambodian heat is intense. Carry plenty of water to avoid dehydration during your exploration.
📸 Capture the Faces
Bring your camera! The smiling faces are incredibly photogenic from every angle.
🐒 Morning Monkey Sightings
Visit in the morning for a chance to see playful monkeys around the ruins.
⏳ Take Your Time
Don't rush. Allow at least 2-3 hours to truly appreciate the details and atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bayon Temple for its unique and mesmerizing smiling faces, intricate bas-reliefs, and less crowded atmosphere compared to Angkor Wat. Many find the temple deeply captivating and a highlight of their Angkor visit, appreciating its mysterious allure and historical depth. Some note the challenging terrain and heat, advising preparedness.
"Less famous than Angkor Wat but in out opinion equally magnificent ! Less expansive and missing the iconic reflection in the pool, but more massive, imposing and carved almost on every surface. The maze of life sized statues at the top of the building is simply spectacular !"
Tony B
"They only started deforesting and excavations in 1993, it's way older than Angkor Wat and you can feel it in your bone's as you traverse this massive site.
Completely captivating!"
Ruff Ryder
"Mysterious, majestic, and unforgettable.
Bayon Temple is one of Angkor’s most iconic and fascinating sites. Known for its massive stone faces carved into towering spires, it feels like stepping into a lost world. Everywhere you turn, another serene face watches over you, it’s haunting in the most beautiful way.
The bas-reliefs are incredibly detailed, showing scenes from ancient Khmer life, mythology, and even battles. It’s less crowded than Angkor Wat but just as awe-inspiring in its own unique way. The energy here is powerful — peaceful yet grand.
Bring good walking shoes, a camera, and take your time. It’s not just a temple, it’s a spiritual and architectural wonder.
Highly recommended for history lovers, photographers, and anyone who wants to feel the soul of Angkor."
Vireak Chandara
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bayon Temple is located within Angkor Thom, a short drive from Siem Reap. You can hire a tuk-tuk for the day, which is a popular and affordable option. Many visitors combine a visit to Bayon with other temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park. Negotiate your fare beforehand to avoid surprises.
Direct public transport to Bayon is limited. The most common and convenient way to reach it is by hiring a private vehicle like a tuk-tuk or car through your hotel or a local tour operator. This allows for flexibility in visiting multiple sites within the park.
Most visitors explore Angkor Thom as part of a larger Angkor pass. Hiring a tuk-tuk driver for the day is highly recommended, as they know the best routes and can wait for you at each temple. Consider a guided tour for deeper historical insights.
Bayon Temple is part of the Angkor Archaeological Park, so you'll need an Angkor Pass to enter. Passes are available for 1, 3, or 7 days and can be purchased at the official ticket office. Ensure you have your pass with you at all times.
Bayon Temple is located within Angkor Thom, which is north of Angkor Wat. The journey between the two temples typically takes about 10-15 minutes by tuk-tuk. Many visitors visit both on the same day.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for Bayon Temple are purchased as an Angkor Pass from the official Angkor Enterprise ticket office located on the road to Angkor Wat. You cannot buy tickets directly at the temple itself.
Bayon Temple, like most temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park, is generally open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily. However, it's always a good idea to check the latest official timings before your visit.
Angkor Passes are priced for 1-day ($37), 3-day ($62), and 7-day ($72) durations (prices are subject to change). The 3-day pass is often recommended for a good balance of exploration without feeling rushed.
No, advance booking for Bayon Temple tickets is not required. You can purchase your Angkor Pass at the official ticket office upon arrival. However, arriving early at the ticket office can help avoid queues.
Currently, there are no specific discounts for Bayon Temple itself. The Angkor Pass is the standard entry ticket for the entire archaeological park. Keep an eye on the official Angkor Enterprise website for any updates on pricing or special offers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
To avoid the largest crowds, aim for very early morning (shortly after opening) or late afternoon. The midday hours are typically the busiest, especially when tour groups are present. Visiting during the shoulder seasons can also help.
Most visitors spend between 2 to 3 hours at Bayon Temple to fully explore its levels, admire the bas-reliefs, and photograph the iconic faces. If you're a keen photographer or history enthusiast, you might want to allocate more time.
Dress respectfully, covering your shoulders and knees, as it is a sacred site. Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the uneven terrain and stairs. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended for the heat.
Yes, licensed guides can be hired at the entrance to the Angkor Archaeological Park or through your tour operator. Hiring a guide can significantly enhance your understanding of the temple's history, symbolism, and architecture.
Bayon Temple has many stairs and uneven surfaces, making it challenging for visitors with significant mobility issues. While some areas are accessible, a full exploration might be difficult. Consider a guided tour that can focus on more accessible sections.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The upper terraces offer incredible vantage points for capturing the smiling faces from different angles. Look for openings in the walls and towers to frame shots. The bas-reliefs also provide fantastic photographic opportunities.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography. The soft, golden light enhances the textures of the stone and the expressions on the faces. Midday sun can be harsh and create strong shadows.
Drone usage is generally restricted within the Angkor Archaeological Park to preserve the historical sites and ensure visitor safety. Always check the latest regulations with park authorities before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the towers and faces. A telephoto lens can be good for details in the bas-reliefs. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions, but be mindful of other visitors.
Experiment with different perspectives – shoot from below, look for patterns, and try to capture the faces peeking through archways. Patience is key; wait for moments when crowds thin out in specific areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers' Paradise
🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enigma of the Faces
The mystery surrounding the faces is a significant part of Bayon's allure. It invites contemplation and personal interpretation, making each visitor's experience unique. The craftsmanship involved in carving such detailed and expressive features into stone is a testament to the advanced skills of the Khmer artisans. As you wander through the temple's labyrinthine corridors and climb its steep staircases, you'll find yourself constantly encountering these silent, watchful guardians, each with a slightly different nuance in their expression.
A Journey Through Bas-Reliefs
These reliefs are not just decorative; they are historical documents etched in stone. They tell stories of the kingdom's triumphs and its people's way of life. Unlike the grander, more overtly religious narratives found in some other Angkor temples, Bayon's bas-reliefs offer a more grounded and human perspective. Spend time tracing the lines and deciphering the scenes – it’s like walking through a captivating ancient comic strip that brings history to life.
Architectural Marvels and Layout
The temple's construction is a marvel of engineering and artistry. The precision with which the massive stone blocks were fitted, and the intricate carvings executed, are astounding. The central sanctuary, though less grand than some other temples, is surrounded by a complex network of chambers and corridors that invite you to get lost in its ancient embrace. The steep, narrow staircases leading to the upper levels add to the adventurous feel of exploring this magnificent structure.
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